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Where Are You FROM From?: How a Seemingly Innocent Question is Racist

Chances are, if you’re a person of color, someone has asked you where you’re from. “No, where are you from from?” And then proceeded to recite a series of cultural stereotypes back to you to show how much they ‘understand’ your cultural heritage.

Check out this spot-on comedy sketch with a twist from Wong Fu Productions, as they also spotlight the prejudiced stereotypes still common about rural America.

Click for the Transcript

MADISON: Hi! You mind if I eat here with you?

KEN: Of course!

MADISON: Okay. So weird being the new kid! I’m Madison.

CASEY: Oh, I’m Casey.

KEN: Hi, I’m Ken.

MADISON: So, where are you from, Ken?

KEN: I’m from San Francisco. I was at that branch for a little bit. Just transferred down.

MADISON: Where are you from from, though?

KEN: Um. If you’re asking me where my family’s from, China, I guess.

MADISON: Cool, you’re Chinese!

KEN: American.

MADISON: Oh. Right. Chinese-American. That’s awesome. You know I’m from the Midwest and we’re not the most culturally diverse part of the country, you know? Oh, I forgot my coffee at my desk. I’ll be right back.

KEN: Can you believe this girl?

CASEY: What?

KEN: “Where are you from from? Oh, you’re Chinese!” So ignorant.

CASEY: I mean, she might not honestly know much about your culture. It’s true what she said, the Midwest isn’t very diverse. Trust me, I’m from Kentucky.

KEN: Look what we’re having for lunch. Kentucky Fried Chicken! What a coincidence, huh? I bet you love this stuff! Here, have some!

CASEY: I actually don’t eat it that often.

KEN: You know what, I just remembered, my roommate in college was actually from Kentucky. His name was Cory. Do you know Cory?

CASEY: You want to know if I know Cory because we’re both from Kentucky?

KEN: Uh-huh.

CASEY: No, I don’t know Cory.

KEN: Have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby?

CASEY: No, I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby.

KEN: But it’s in Kentucky.

CASEY: Yes.

KEN: So why don’t you go?

CASEY: That’s true.

MADISON: So, I was thinking. Ken, you must have been born here because you don’t have any accent at all.

KEN: Okay Madison, just because I’m Chinese doesn’t mean I have a Chinese accent by default, okay? It doesn’t mean that I eat orange chicken and fortune cookies all the time. it doesn’t mean that I know all your Asian friends. It doesn’t mean I hang out in Chinatown every night! Why don’t you go educate yourself, okay? Don’t be so ignorant! Geez.

MADISON: Oh my–

CASEY: Yeah.

MADISON: I didn’t mean for my questions to be offensive! I was just genuinely curious.

CASEY: I just think that we can all be more culturally aware in the situation.

MADISON: Be more sensitive toward others.

CASEY: Right, right. You know, I actually do really miss this stuff. Do you want some fried ch–…I’m going to throw it away.

* * *

Hey everyone, I hope you liked that sketch. It was actually based on a true story. I met a guy named Casey on set once and he was from Kentucky and I was asking him all these questions about where he was from. And then I caught myself right in the middle of it thinking, “Man, if someone was asking me these questions about being Chinese, I would probably be pretty offended.” But he took it cool, so thanks and sorry Casey. I was just genuinely interested in Kentucky.

Anyway, if you hadn’t heard yet, Wong Fu Productions is making a movie! Yep, we are nearing the end of our fundraising campaign and the support has been so incredible so far. It’s amazing to see everyone contributing just because they believe in us, so thank you so much to everyone that’s already contributed. We can’t wait to start making this movie in just a couple of months. If you haven’t yet, check out the link below for all the information. There’ve been a lot of updates and progress on the project and we put in new perks as well. So you have about a week left to get in on this so don’t delay. Check out the website. One more week! Thanks guys! See ya!

Wong Fu Productions first started making videos in 2003 in college at UC San Diego. Starting out as friends and dormmates, Wong Fu Productions is now headed by Philip Wang, Wesley Chan, and Ted Fu. As a growing independent production company they work full-time on various parts of their business. Primarily known for their YouTube channel, they create short films, music videos and vlogs for their large and loyal fanbase. They also started a successful merchandise brand of apparel, Nice Guy Design, and a plush toy line, Awkward Animal. They’ve spoken at over 100 events while touring internationally, and also started the concert series ISA (International Secret Agents) with Far East Movement. Follow them on Twitter @wongfupro.